Cold War Conversations
Doped, Abused and Abandoned: Growing Up in East Germany’s Sports System (400)
Apr 25, 2025
Kerstin shares her harrowing experiences in East Germany's oppressive sports system, detailing the physical abuse and state-sponsored doping she endured from a young age. She reveals the emotional toll of being dismissed from the program and coping with her father's death, leading her to a spiral of addiction and isolation. Despite these struggles, Kerstin's journey toward healing includes reconciliation with her past and her mother. Her powerful story serves as a reminder of the dark realities faced by athletes under an authoritarian regime.
01:16:04
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Quick takeaways
- Kerstin's experience in East Germany's sports system included severe physical and emotional abuse, leading to lifelong health issues and trauma.
- After his abrupt dismissal from gymnastics and her father's death, Kerstin struggled with identity loss and found healing through community support.
Deep dives
Kirsten's Elite Sports Training Experience
Kirsten started her journey in elite gymnastics at a young age in East Germany, selected during a preschool evaluation for her physical attributes. This intense training regimen involved demanding schedules that combined daily academics with rigorous gymnastics workouts, leading to severe physical and emotional strain. Despite the high expectations, the abusive environment fostered fear rather than motivation, with trainers employing harsh punishments for mistakes, and creating a culture of competition among young girls. As a result, friendships faded as only the best performers were retained in the program, leaving many to cope with isolation and exhaustion.
